The 2024 Hermosa Beach Open up shipped a Distinctive form of magic, Mixing planet-course athleticism Together with the down-to-earth spirit that defines the Beach front volleyball Neighborhood. Held September four–seven close to the Hermosa Seaside Pier, this yr’s tournament wasn’t simply a prevent over the competitive circuit—it had been a celebration in the Activity’s origins, featuring Olympians competing shoulder to shoulder with climbing stars and local heroes in the enthusiast-friendly, no-frills setting.
The celebration experienced no stadium seating or flashy enthusiast zones. Rather, spectators gathered within the courts, standing inside the sand and sitting on Seashore towels because they cheered on elite athletes from just ft absent. Organized with grassroots support and backed by sponsors like Wedbush Securities, the Match returned to the purer Edition of the sport, exactly where Local community, Competitiveness, and link were being the focus.
Within the Gals’s facet, Olympians Kelly Cheng and Sara Hughes reminded Every person why they’re considered Amongst the best on the planet. Inside a dramatic all-USC remaining, Cheng and Hughes dropped the main established to Terese Cannon and Megan Kraft just before roaring back to gain another two. The determining set arrived right down to the wire, with Cheng and Hughes edging out a twenty–18 win in a very thrilling finish. The victory marked a triumphant minute in their post-Olympic campaign and underscored their dominance heading into the next AVP and Global occasions.
The men’s remaining highlighted another Olympic-caliber clash. Previous NBA ahead turned Seaside volleyball standout Chase Budinger teamed up with Olympic veteran Miles Evans to facial area off from Miles Partain and Alex Ranghieri. Budinger and Evans proved as well Sodo66 highly effective, winning in straight sets, 21–14 and 21–17. Budinger’s physicality at The web and Evans’ sharp instincts designed them the unstoppable duo from the weekend.
Across 4 times of play, one hundred thirty groups competed inside a double-elimination structure that kept lovers on their own toes and athletes grinding via prolonged, Sunshine-soaked times. The Match also bundled a juniors division, which introduced in hundreds of youthful gamers wanting to understand, compete, and share the sand Along with the execs. It had been a exceptional prospect for youth athletes to generally be Element of An important volleyball celebration and a beneficial recruiting moment for faculty plans in attendance.
An entire Photograph gallery captured the essence of your Match—from higher-traveling spikes and gritty digs to quiet moments of concentration and laughter amongst teammates. These visuals, broadly shared online, aided showcase the beauty and intimacy of your sport in its most authentic placing.
With its achievement, the Hermosa Seaside Open has sparked conversation about its long term. Metropolis leaders are Discovering a design comparable to Manhattan Beach front, exactly where the municipality could just take a larger part in hosting the Event on a yearly basis. There’s also An even bigger purpose in sight: Hermosa is actively positioning by itself to become a selected coaching web site to the 2028 La Olympics.
The 2024 Hermosa Beach Open up was much more than just a Event. It absolutely was an announcement—proof that even within an era of big contracts and global broadcasts, Beach front volleyball’s heart nevertheless beats strongest from the sand, surrounded by Local community.